WORCESTER — A former branch manager of a local bank pleaded guilty today to her role in a scheme that resulted in just under $1 million in tax return checks being fraudulently cashed, according to a federal prosecutor.

Cynthia Mansfield, 49, of Worcester pleaded guilty to conspiracy to convert public money. Although most of the paperwork filed in the case has been sealed, records show three other co-conspirators are facing the same charge in U.S. District Court.

Co-conspirators in the case have been listed as Danielle Pazi of Worcester, Gregory Guertin of North Brookfield and Mildred Martinez of Worcester. Mr. Guertin and Ms. Martinez have already pleaded guilty to the charge and will be sentenced in March. Ms. Pazi has a possible plea scheduled for Jan. 28.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott L. Garland said Ms. Mansfield was working at a local bank when scammers reached out to her to cash U.S. Department of the Treasury checks for tax returns. He did not list the names of those involved while reciting a brief statement in federal court.

He said the scam occurred between November 2011 and November 2012.

The problem with the checks was they were obtained fraudulently, the prosecutor said. The check holders had obtained other taxpayers' personal identifying information and used it to have tax refund checks issued. Since the check holder wasn't the person listed on the check the cheats had to find a person who would agree to cash the checks.

Mr. Garland said Ms. Mansfield was the person who agreed to cash the checks. He stated the scheme resulted in losses of $993,000.

Ms. Mansfield is accused of cashing almost 140 checks and receiving cash in exchange for conducting the transactions. Ms. Mansfield entered information into bank records to hide the transactions, Mr. Garland said.

The former bank branch manager knew the checks were being cashed by a third party and should not be cashed, the prosecutor said. Ms. Mansfield received over $80,000 for her role in the scam.

Ms. Mansfield was released on an unsecured bond and will return to court April 7 for sentencing. She is facing a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison.

Although her place of employment was not listed, she did work for Bay State Savings Bank and was promoted to manager of the bank's Mill Street branch in 2004, according to a 2004 announcement from the bank.

Peter B. Alden, president and CEO of Bay State Savings Bank, declined to comment.

CDL A DELIVERY DRIVERS Home Every Night! Needed for our Worcester Depot! Drive local - No more spending valuable nights away from your family! As a Direct Store Delivery Representative YOU have the opportunity to make a difference with our customers! Provide excellent customer service; interact in a positive manner with our customers; deliver our products to local stores. Be home every night! Work for a Company that has been around for over 80 years! Minimum of 3 months driving experience with CDL A/B; GED or HS diploma required; Must be able to drive a standard transmission. EEO/Veteran/Disability Growing Strong Since1933!